Creating miniature landscapes

So often, the photography industry is full of secrets – everyone feels the need to come across as a master of the technique. As I write this article, I am proud to say that when I began this venture, I had no idea what I was doing! I had never created any sort of environment before. I had never even built a birdhouse or put up one of those little Christmas villages. I come to you with this project as a completely transparent source, resource, and peer. We are all part of the same race here, after all.

When I got my first camera, I photographed anything and everything; sunsets, pets, and family were my constant subjects, as was the case for most of us. It wasn’t long before I started to research the boundary breaking possibilities of photography and quickly became fascinated by the more alternative techniques that were out there.

Over the years, I have extensively explored the hidden worlds within our own - macro being hardly visible to us, and infrared being completely invisible. I was enthralled from the beginning. It has always interested me to discover the alien views and perspectives gained from being behind the lens. Photographing the hidden realms and microcosms surrounding us has made me feel like an explorer, a pioneer.

Recently, I’ve been working on something a bit different, yet similar. This time, instead of being a hunter or observer, I have assumed the role of fabricator. This series depicts a set of biomes created out of things we see and use every day, just used in a different fashion.

Equipment:

Nikon D800

Tokina 16-28mm

2x SB-900

3x SB-700

EXIF

28mm

F/20

1/125s

ISO640

Materials:

45 lb All purpose flour

Plain white paper

Polypropylene sheet

All of these landscapes have been conceptualized and created inside a 10x10’ room on a glass-top computer desk. The one above was assembled entirely out of flour. All of the colors seen in the photograph are the result of lighting trickery and very purposeful perspective control.

Equipment

Nikon D800

Tokina 16-28mm

2x SB-900

1x SB-700

EXIF

24mm

F/13

1/160s

ISO80

Materials:

Flour

Salt

Vegetable Oil

Cream of Tartar

Corn Syrup

Water

Sugar

This one was created from homemade play dough and sugar glass shards, hand-sculpted and dusted with flour. It was quite tricky to get flour not to clump – especially when using so much of it, and on sticky sugar glass. Once it’s on, it’s on.

Equipment:

Nikon D800

Tokina 16-28mm

2x SB-900

3x SB-700

EXIF:

16mm

F/7.1

1/160s

ISO50

Materials:

Live Moss

Low-Lying Fog

5gallons Mud

Raffia

Sugar

Corn Syrup

Salt

Cream of Tartar

Water

Brown Paint

Bonsai

This set alone consumed a week of preparatory work, 12 hours of setup, and 3 hours of shooting. It was the most complicated and delicate piece of the set. This one contained live elements that would discolor, wilt, and crisp if left untended a second too long. Articles detailing the specific processes behind each photograph in the set will be uploaded to my blog in the coming weeks.

I ran headfirst into this venture without knowing what I was getting into. What I have come out with is an entire new skill set and an absolutely incredible experience! The series is still a work in progress with a few more pieces in the pipeline, so stay tuned!

For now, on to the next adventure!

If you have an interesting idea for a guest post, you can contact me here.

I had guessed that they were shot in the studio. That doesn’t take away from the fantastic dedication and attention to detail.

clubber lang

amazing work

Eric Calabros

You should work for hollywood Mark, you can save millions of dollars they spend on CGI

Sean Afnan

These are technically excellent images. But the ability to pre-visualise the scenes is really amazing. Bravo.

Mark White

Thanks everyone for all of your kind words. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and comment on my project! Feedback is the best way to validate what you’ve already completed and encourage further movement. So, thank you for that.

jr456

Brilliant work and attention to detail…just brilliant.

Teo

I’m rarely impressed, but wow

JM

Superb work…But you definitely have some spare time…

Maji

Very creative work!

Andreu Tan

I want to find words to fault the photos… I tried hard… oh well, I gave up!^_^
Simply outstanding work and very very generous to share with everyone.

Thanks Mark! x1000

iamlucky13

Very cool. This is the kind of “magic” the techs at Industrial Light and Magic used to specialize in.